MESOBATRACHIA Meaning and
Definition
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Mesobatrachia refers to a suborder of Anura, commonly known as frogs, which encompasses a diverse group of amphibians. The term "mesobatrachia" derives from the Greek words "mesos," meaning middle, and "batrachos," meaning frog. This suborder is positioned between the two other suborders of frogs: Archaeobatrachia and Neobatrachia.
Mesobatrachia includes a range of species that are found worldwide, with notable representatives from various families, such as Pelobatidae, Megophryidae, Rhinophrynidae, and others. These frogs possess intermediate characteristics between the primitive frogs found in Archaeobatrachia and the more advanced frogs found in Neobatrachia.
Typical features of mesobatrachians include a pelvic patch, which is a bone on the pubis that extends and overlaps other pelvic elements. They also exhibit certain skeletal characteristics, such as an elongated and robust frontoparietal (part of the skull) and an elongated cultriform process (a projection on the frontal bone). These anatomical features differentiate them from the frogs of the other two suborders.
Mesobatrachians are known for their diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, swamps, and even deserts. They exhibit various reproductive strategies, from laying eggs in ponds or streams to brooding their eggs on their backs. They have adapted to both terrestrial and aquatic lifestyles, displaying adaptability to different ecological niches.
In conclusion, mesobatrachia is a suborder of frogs that demonstrates an amalgamation of characteristics between the more primitive Archaeobatrachia and the advanced Neobatrachia. They exhibit a broad range of adaptations and
Etymology of MESOBATRACHIA
The word "mesobatrachia" is derived from Greek roots.
The prefix "meso-" in Greek means "middle" or "intermediate". It is often used to describe something that is situated in the middle or between two extremes.
The second part of the word, "batrachia", comes from the Greek word "batrachos", which means "frog" or "toad". It is commonly used in biological terms related to amphibians.
Therefore, "mesobatrachia" literally translates to "middle frogs" or "intermediate frogs". It is a taxonomic group within the larger classification of frogs.
